Dyslexia

Although the problem of dyslexia is widely recognized, its definition continues to be debated. This new edition of a classic book provides a synthesis of research on the cognitive deficits of dyslexia and reviews evidence concerning its biological bases. The author not only considers the causes of reading and spelling problems, but also how, in spite of their difficulties, dyslexic children accomplish levels of literacy that initially seem beyond them. The first edition of the book has been substantially rewritten, updated and extended to cover the biology of dyslexia, recent research on auditory and visual processing in dyslexia, and studies that evaluate teaching interventions for dyslexic children. Dyslexia will prove to be an invaluable resource for professionals and general readers alike.

Preface to the Second Edition. 1. What is Dyslexia?. 2. The Definition of Dyslexia. 3. The Phonological Representations Hypothesis. 4. Learning to Read and to Spell. 5. Dyslexia: A Written Language Disorder. 6. Individual Differences in Dyslexia. 7. The Severity Hypothesis. 8. Biological Bases of Dyslexia. 9. Dyslexia: A Sensory Impairment?. 10. Helping to Overcome Dyslexia. 11. Proficiency and Deficiency: The Role of Compensation. 12. Conclusions and Future Prospects. References. Index.

Margaret J. Snowling is Professor of Psychology at the University of York. Widely recognised as an expert in the field of developmental disorders, particularly in children′s reading, speech and language difficulties, she is a qualified Clinical Psychologist and was Principal of the National Hospitals College of Speech Sciences until 1992.

"This book by Margaret Snowling...is a very welcome update of her well–received first edition book published in 1987 and reflects the significant amount of research that has taken place since this time. Margaret Snowling′s thesis is that dyslexia is a consequence of a phonological deficit. Her evidence for this is extremely well presented throughout her book. Chapter 3 – The Phonological Representations Hypothesis – is exceptionally well written and assertively lays down the foundation of her argument. This book, although written with an academic rigour, cleverly embraces the impact of dyslexia on the individual...This promotes a very positive and optimistic theme on the treatment of dyslexia throughout the book. This book successfully provides a contemporary synthesis of research on the cognitive deficits of dyslexia and is strongly recommended to anyone with any involvement or interest in this complex area. It will be of enormous value to educational psychologists and teachers of students with specific learning difficulties and, no doubt, will continue to be the essential book on any training course′s reading list on the subject. The book is very generously priced and therefore of exceptional value, given its contents." Dr. Barry Johnson BSc, Cert Ed, Dip Ed Psych, PhD, C. Psych Principal Educational Psychologist, The Dyslexia Institute. "An excellent view of the current state–of–the–art in dyslexia research, as is to be expected from this author, who is a recognized authority in the field. It is committed to a phonological approach to dyslexia, which explains the condition as a deficit of phonological representations. Snowling′s book gives an outstanding account of this research tradition." TRENDS in Cognitive Sciences, Vol 5, No 3, March 2001. "Dyslexia is a basic work that explains in a very understandable way, very complex themes. It gives insight in the definition, ethicality and the treatment of children with dyslexia. That makes this work definitely a must–read (or: definitely very recommendable) for anyone that wants to resource himself in the understanding of and dealing with children that have dyslexia. On top of that, even experienced therapists get a better insight in the severity and characteristics of the problems of their clients". SIG NAAL, Journaal van Vormingsdienst SIG, August–September 2001. <!––end––>